Anxiety Support Group
Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...
Hello everyone - This is my first time opening up on any forum (virtual or in person). I've had anxiety for most of my life. It was pretty manageable for the first 25 or so years of my life. However, the past 10+ years have been very difficult. I've had good days and bad days, but the past 3 months have been brutal. The anxiety just shows up out of nowhere. I'm on medication already, and I'm contemplating scheduling an appointment with a therapist. I never in my life thought I would be dealing with something like this. My close family members have been a great support.
With that being said, it's very frustrating trying to explain anxiety to anyone who has never had it. The common response is, "what's stressing you out?" or "You'll be okay. I get stressed out too, at times." They just don't understand that anxiety is its own unique beast.
About a month ago, my wife and I got an update from our 20 month old daughter's cardiologist that our daughter will need open heart surgery by the end of this year. I can't even come up with the rights words to describe my emotions.
I know I can keep writing, but I will keep my first post short. I appreciate all of your support and future advice. I'm blessed to have found this online forum, as I wasn't sure where else to turn for support. I will be posting more in the future, as well as hopefully helping others with words of encouragement. We are all in this together. I know everyone's anxiety is not "cookie cutter," so I will do my best to empathize with everyone if I happen to respond to a post. I wish you all a good night. Hang in there, everyone. We can get through all of this together.
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I did the dumbest thing today. I charged my earbuds, unplugged the block and put the block in my little bag instead of the earbuds. I wasn't happy about that when I got to the gym. What a dummy!
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Ever since I stopped doing therapy because of insurance, I've been feeling that old tense and irritable sense of anxiety and stress. I hate that. I was making so many strides and changes during therapy, my therapist would acknowledge all of my progress and accomplishments, and I miss that reassurance. Today I thought about it, and I made those changes! She would always tell me that I chose to...
A 20 month old daughter needing open heart surgery would trigger a major anxiety episode in the most serene of lives. Owie yeowie, triple howl powie! ! ! I'll hold getting anxious over it as proof that you are paying attention. Steadying support while you weather that storm. Vent freely. Vent often. We are here for you.
Welcome aboard. I hope you find stabilizing companionship here.
For what it's worth
When I need to write more than feels right for a forum post, I make a journal entry. The venting helps me focus the issues and sometimes even helps me find solutions.
You've taken the important first step in writing it out.
Keep writing and sorting through the events. Practice even breathing to help you find and remain calm through all the events. Stop, pause, breathe, option, until you can feel the calm.
It's hard to watch your child have to struggle and to have do surgery and other medical treatment. Take the time to get your feelings released and expressed safely.
Best wishes as you find your better balance.